Update (March 6th 2025): XSite Braehead has announced a combined £12.6 million investment in the site. The money is drawn from a partnership of tenant and owner contributions and includes the opening of the world’s longest indoor e-karting track and e-sports venue, K1 Speed, within the centre later this year.
As well as the multi-million-pound introduction of K1 Speed, existing tenants continue to invest in their presence at XSite. Tenpin has undergone a transformation with the addition of four new bowling lanes, two private karaoke rooms, and a makeover of the bar. This refurbishment will be closely followed this year by Paradise Island Golf which is undertaking an overhaul, including the addition of a high ropes course. There’s also been the expansion of family entertainment centre Funstation and alongside the offering from other tenants including Odeon IMAX.
To support the tenants and encourage visitation, further investment includes a significant marketing campaign across multiple channels including broadcast, out of home and social media, and the centre is also working to finalise many other leasing deals.
Update (December 16th 2024): Indoor go-karting operator K1 Speed has announced its second Central London location, K1 Speed Vauxhall, is opening in 2025.
It will be located in the Storybox leisure complex owned by creative real estate developer General Projects.
Expected to open in Autumn 2025, K1 Speed Vauxhall will also feature racing simulators, an arcade, and a Paddock Lounge café and bar.
Original article (September 23rd 2024):
Scottish entertainment hub XSite Braehead has today announced that indoor karting operator K1 Speed will open a new sim racing esports facility at the site.
The area will also feature what’s billed as ‘the world’s longest indoor karting track’ and is backed by a £5.5m investment, which will create around 80 jobs.
The new K1 Speed venue ‘will bring a new level of excitement to the region, combining the thrill of high-speed electric karting with a cutting-edge esports lounge’, read a press release. ‘K1 Speed will transform the former Snowfactor site into a vibrant hub of activity, and has selected Braehead for its rich motorsport history and strategic location near Glasgow’s international airport’.
It’s scheduled to open in Autumn 2025, featuring a three-decked indoor karting track that spans over 1,000 metres, designed to accommodate up to 35 electric karts racing simultaneously.
Spanning over 90,000 sq ft overall, the area’s multi-level track promises ‘top safety technology and advanced timing systems’, with karts priced at £15,000 each capable of reaching speeds of up to 40mph and accelerating in a few seconds.
“In addition to the karting track, the venue will feature a state-of-the-art esports lounge equipped with premium racing simulators, offering an exceptional experience for both individuals and groups,” according to a press release. “The high-spec simulators featuring advanced gaming technology will position K1 Speed Braehead as a prime location for hosting international esports competitions.
“This aspect of the venue highlights the growth of esports as both a spectator sport in its own right, and a key avenue for talent scouting and audience growth. The popularity of motorsports has surged, particularly following the success of the ‘F1 Drive to Survive’ series on Netflix, which has increased viewership by 58% in the USA and 39% in the UK. XSite Braehead aims to serve as an incubator for future F1 stars, fostering a next generation of talent.”
“Our goal is to provide a top-tier entertainment experience that appeals to both casual racers and serious competitors.”
Matthew Holyfield, K1 Speed UK
K1 Speed will also create opportunities to engage with a broader audience, presenting the venue as a destination for families, corporate events, local communities and social gatherings, and promising to make it ‘inclusive and accessible to all’.
K1 Speed has 100 locations worldwide, including 70 sites in the USA and other locations in Canada, Mexico, France, Italy and more.
Kitty Vaughan, Head of UK Leisure and F&B at Pradera Lateral, XSite’s Asset Management team, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome K1 Speed to XSite Braehead making us the home of the world’s largest indoor karting track and esports venue.
“This exciting addition not only enhances our leisure offering but also reinforces our commitment to providing inclusive and engaging experiences for all visitors. K1 Speed’s innovative approach and dedication to community engagement align perfectly with our vision for XSite Braehead. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this flagship venue will have on Glasgow and beyond.”
Matthew Holyfield, Managing Director at K1 Speed UK, added: “Our goal is to provide a top-tier entertainment experience that appeals to both casual racers and serious competitors.
“The new K1 Speed Braehead will embody our commitment to innovation, safety and fun, and we’re excited to bring this to the region. We chose XSite because of its vibrant community and love for motorsport and can’t wait to see the excitement this new venue will bring to Glasgow.”
K1 Speed will join other entertainment offerings at the site, including a newly refurbished Tenpin, upsized Funstation and Odeon IMAX amongst food and beverage offerings.
More Scottish esports news:
- Scotland’s Brad Zellman crowned first ever Wimbledon eChampion
- Battle for Glasgow 2024 recap
- Esports Scotland acquired, merges with eRena Sports
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
